One Direction confirm ‘break’ next year: "We're not going anywhere"

Bandmembers Niall and Louis comment on split rumours.

One Direction have confirmed that they will be taking a ‘well earned break’ next year following speculation that the group will split in March 2016.

“Ok so Lots of rumours going round,” Niall told fans on Twitter, “We are not splitting up, but we will be taking a well earned break at some point next year”.

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“Don't worry though, we still have lots we want to achieve! Can't wait for you to hear all the new music we have for you and to perform some new songs as the tour continues! Love you all xx”.

Ok so Lots of rumours going round. We are not splitting up, but we will be taking a well earned break at some point next year
— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) August 24, 2015

Bandmate Louis also tweeted about the rumours, saying: “Your support is truly indescribable! It's just a break :) we're not going anywhere!!”

The group are currently on the US leg of their On The Road Again world tour and will be coming to the UK for a string of shows in September and October.

One Direction’s latest single Drag Me Down – their first since the departure of Zayn Malik in March – stormed to Number 1 on the Official Singles Chart earlier this month. To date, the group have scored 15 UK Top 40 singles, with What Makes You Beautiful (2011), Little Things (2012) and One Way Or Another (Teenage Kicks) (2013) also topping the chart.

MORE: See One Direction’s full Official Chart history